Proclaimer Blog
The freedom of self-forgetfulness
I spent a profitable hour yesterday reading Tim Keller's little book The freedom of self-forgetfulness. It's essentially a sermon on 1 Corinthians 3.21-4.7. As such, its 46 pages tackle one main theme – what we think of ourselves. What can I say? It's immensely helpful. Who doesn't some of the time (at least) if not all of the time worry about what others think? No one I know. Certainly not me. And the answer, says Keller, is not in the modern philosophy that everything can be blamed on low self esteem. In fact, historically, everything has been based on too high a self-esteem. No, the answer is in forgetting who we are except who we are in Christ. In other words, it's about identity.
What would Paul say to those who tell him to set his own standards? He would say it is a trap. A trap he will not fall into. You see, it is a trap to say that we should not worry about everyone else's standards, just set our own. That's not an answer. Boosting our self esteem by living up to our own standards or someone else's sounds like a great solution. But it does not deliver. It cannot deliver. (p27)
This is a book I will take home and read again, more slowly. You should too. £2.99 in print version of 99p as an ebook. Here's what Sir Christopher said about it:
In this helpful little book, Dr Keller paints a compelling picture of a truly gospel-humble person who is so taken up with his Lord that he is freed from the constant need to think about himself. We were challenged by it; we pray that you will be too.
And if you're booked in to the EMA, there'll be a great deal on it…..